The Optimistic American

Optimistic American
  • 4.7 (9)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Biweekly

The past, present, and future of the United States are full of promise. A promise sustained by the efforts of brave individuals and organizations who champion the pursuit of technology, improving the human condition, free markets, and a belief in who we are. We are losing the fact that we are a nation of dreamers, a catapult for those who have the heart to dare, a place that rewards ingenuity and innovation. This country, more than any other, succeeded by making possible the release of the human spirit. We need to put in the work to bring the actual narrative of abundance forward. We need to make it consumable for everyday Americans. It is how our conversations will pivot towards the positive. Our mornings will begin with promise and faith rather than fear and despair. If you’re willing to help others feel better about tomorrow, join us. Weekly shows are coming very soon. Follow us to stay notified of new episodes.

  1. 5d ago

    Teri Ann Hourihan on Corruption, Trauma & Why She’s Running for Arizona Governor

    Teri Ann Hourihan won the No Labels Arizona gubernatorial nomination in Arizona’s primary election. Paul Johnson didn’t support her candidacy in that primary—and Hourihan believes he hasn’t always treated her fairly. So they sat down across from one another. What followed was one of the most personal and often contentious conversations on New Frontiers. Hourihan says her North Star is fighting what she believes is corruption inside Arizona state government. She describes her own Medicaid-related case, alleges fraud inside government, names officials she believes bear responsibility, and argues that some should lose their jobs. Then the interview gets personal. Hourihan and Johnson confront the history between them and why she believes he treated her unfairly during the campaign. At times, the conversation becomes emotional. They also discuss Arizona’s water future, education, Andy Biggs, Governor Katie Hobbs, healthcare, Medicaid, and other issues facing the state. The two disagree over white privilege. Hourihan challenges Johnson directly about his own privilege. Johnson says he considers himself enormously privileged—starting with being an American—but questions whether assigning privilege based on race can become unnecessarily divisive and obscure the hardships of individual lives. And then they reverse the interview. Hourihan gets the opportunity to question Johnson. She asks why the party hasn’t endorsed her after voters nominated her for governor. She asks what he really thinks of her. Johnson answers both questions directly. This isn’t always a comfortable interview. It’s a conversation about alleged corruption, grievance, trauma, race, political independence—and whether two people who genuinely disagree can sit across from each other, ask difficult questions, and actually listen to the answers. Chapters:  00:00 - Coming Up…  01:04 - Paul Johnson’s Opening Remarks 07:51 - Meet Arizona Governor Candidate Teri Ann Hourihan 08:41 - Teri Hourihan Alleges Fraud & Corruption in Arizona Government 29:29 - The Feud Between Paul Johnson & Teri Hourihan 46:33 - Teri Hourihan on Andy Biggs & the Arizona Governor Race 48:42 - Arizona’s Water Crisis & the State’s Future 55:22 - Should Arizona Give Trump Its Voter Rolls? 1:01:28 - Democratic Socialism, White Privilege & Political Division 1:13:35 - Fixing Arizona’s Education System 1:23:19 - Arizona Prison Reform & Reducing Recidivism 1:27:14 - AHCCCS, Medicaid Cuts & Arizona’s Healthcare Budget 1:38:51 - Teri Hourihan Turns the Questions on Paul Johnson 1:52:50 - Final Remarks and Conclusion

    Teri Ann Hourihan on Corruption, Trauma & Why She’s Running for Arizona Governor

  2. Aug 26

    $40 Trillion in Debt: Is America Running Out of Time?

    In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson is joined by columnist Bob Robb and economist Elliott Pollack to discuss three major forces reshaping American politics and the economy. The panel examines the U.S. national debt and federal deficit, rising interest rates, Social Security, inflation, defense spending, and whether Republicans or Democrats are prepared to make the difficult choices needed to address America’s fiscal problems. The conversation then turns to the rise of Democratic Socialism, its growing influence on the Democratic Party, and what it could mean for the 2026 elections and 2028 presidential race. They also explore Donald Trump, MAGA, political populism, and the growing frustration with America’s two-party system. Finally, Paul shares an update on No Labels Party of Arizona and the independent movement, including bipartisan endorsements, open primaries, ballot access, and efforts to support pragmatic candidates across the political spectrum. Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction   02:27 - Can America Afford More Military Spending? 12:30 - America’s Growing Debt & Deficit Problem 19:34 - Is It Worth Balancing the Federal Budget? 26:56 - Does Either Party Have a Pro-Growth Agenda? 30:08 - The Rise of Democratic Socialism 42:44 - When Politics Becomes Tribal 47:09 - Antisemitism, Israel & the Political Divide 50:18 - No Labels Party of Arizona  59:15 - Final Remarks and Conclusion

    $40 Trillion in Debt: Is America Running Out of Time?

  3. Aug 13

    Can Andy Biggs Win Over Arizona’s Independent Voters?

    What would Andy Biggs do as Governor of Arizona? In this episode of The New Frontiers, Congressman and Arizona gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs sits down with Paul Johnson and Henry Thompson for a wide-ranging conversation about his vision for Arizona and the major political and economic issues shaping the state’s future. Biggs addresses one of the biggest controversies surrounding his political career — the 2020 election — and discusses how he would approach future election results as governor. From there, the conversation turns to Arizona’s economy, affordability, housing, water, education, energy, and the growing role of independent voters. Topics Discussed in This Episode: - Andy Biggs’ path from attorney to Congress and the Freedom Caucus - Federal spending, the national debt, and the federal budget deficit - Donald Trump and the 2020 election - Arizona’s economy and eliminating the state income tax - Arizona’s housing affordability crisis - Arizona’s water future and the Colorado River - School choice, ESAs, charter schools, and education reform - AI, data centers, and Arizona’s growing energy demands - Katie Hobbs and the Arizona governor’s race - The growing influence of independent voters With Arizona facing major decisions over its economy and future, this conversation gives voters an opportunity to hear Andy Biggs explain his positions, priorities, and vision for the state in his own words. Watch the full interview and decide for yourself: Does Andy Biggs have the vision to lead Arizona into the future? Chapters:  00:00 - Political Extremism & the Future of Arizona 08:42 - Introduction 09:53 - Who Is Andy Biggs? 15:52 - The Freedom Caucus & America’s National Debt 25:37 - Andy Biggs on Trump & Future Elections 27:49 - Has Arizona’s Economy Peaked? 30:47 - Eliminating Arizona’s State Income Tax 34:04 - Socialism vs Free Markets 40:11 - Solving Arizona’s Housing Affordability Crisis 45:08 - Arizona’s Water Crisis & the Colorado River 59:45 - School Choice & the Future of Arizona Education 1:10:12 - AI, Data Centers & Arizona’s Energy Future 1:14:29 - What Has Katie Hobbs Done Right? 1:15:41 - Andy Biggs on Independent Voters 1:18:07 - Final Remarks and Conclusion

    Can Andy Biggs Win Over Arizona’s Independent Voters?

  4. Aug 2

    Is America's Political Center Collapsing? | Arizona Elections & The Future of U.S. Politics

    In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson is joined by columnist Bob Robb and political scientist Henry Thompson for an in-depth discussion on the political forces reshaping Arizona, the United States, and even the rest of the world.  The conversation begins with the surprising results of Arizona's 2026 primary elections, including the unexpected upset in the No Labels of Arizona gubernatorial race. From there, the panel examines what these elections reveal about independent voters, the future of third-party politics, and whether America's political middle is becoming increasingly difficult to find.  The discussion then expands to national and international politics, covering everything from the rise of Democratic Socialism and the continued influence of Donald Trump to America's role in the Iran conflict and the political shifts taking place across Europe. Throughout the episode, the panel asks one central question: Can the political center survive, or are voters being pushed further toward the extremes? In this episode: Arizona's 2026 primary election results The future of independent and third-party candidates The rise of Democratic Socialism and its impact on Democrats Trump's influence on the Republican Party Independent voters and the battle for the political middle The Iran conflict and America's foreign policy Political lessons from Europe and the rest of the world

    Is America's Political Center Collapsing? | Arizona Elections & The Future of U.S. Politics

  5. Jul 1

    Will AI Create Trillions... or Crash America's Economy?

    The biggest economic transformation in modern history may already be underway. Artificial Intelligence is changing the workforce, Elon Musk could become the world's first trillionaire, and debates over capitalism, socialism, income inequality, and economic opportunity are dominating politics. But are we witnessing the beginning of a new Golden Age of prosperity — or another Gilded Age where wealth concentrates at the top? In this episode of New Frontiers, former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson sits down with political columnist Bob Robb to discuss: - Will AI create more jobs than it destroys? - Is America becoming more unequal — or are the numbers misleading? - Why Elon Musk could reshape the global economy. - The rise of Democratic Socialism after Zohran Mamdani's victory. - Why capitalism continues to create opportunity. - Can AI improve productivity without replacing workers? - Should America focus on inequality or upward mobility? - The biggest threat facing America's economic future. - Why government debt may be a larger problem than AI itself. - What ordinary Americans can do to prepare for the next economic revolution. Rather than asking whether America is succeeding or failing, this conversation explores the bigger question: Will we shape the future – or simply react to it?

    Will AI Create Trillions... or Crash America's Economy?

  6. Jun 17

    America Is Thriving… So Why Are People So Unhappy?

    Is America thriving or falling behind? The answer may surprise you. In this episode of New Frontiers, former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson sits down with Professor Douglas Harris of Tulane University, creator of the groundbreaking State of the Nation and State of the States projects. While America's economy continues to outperform much of the world, Americans are reporting lower levels of happiness, trust, life satisfaction, and optimism. Why is there such a massive disconnect between the economic data and how people actually feel? Professor Harris reveals the metrics that matter most when measuring a nation's success—including income growth, income inequality, life satisfaction, trust, education, mental health, and social mobility. Joining the conversation is economist Elliott Pollack, who offers insights on housing affordability, productivity, education, economic growth, and the American Dream. If you've ever wondered whether America is truly declining—or whether the data tells a different story—this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

    America Is Thriving… So Why Are People So Unhappy?

  7. May 6

    Could Arizona Run Out of Water? The Truth About the Colorado River Crisis

    Arizona is running out of time. In this episode, Central Arizona Water Conservation District Chairman Terry Goddard joins Paul Johnson and Bob Robb to discuss the growing Colorado River crisis and what it could mean for Arizona’s future. The conversation begins with the federal government’s looming decision on water allocations and why Arizona could face some of the deepest cuts in the country. From there, they break down the battle between Upper Basin and Lower Basin states, the role of the Bureau of Reclamation, and how cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson could be affected. They also explore: Groundwater recharge and conservation The future of development in Arizona Agriculture’s role in water usage Desalination and infrastructure solutions Why bipartisan leadership is critical right now Terry Goddard explains why this drought is unlike anything Arizona has faced in modern history — and why the next few years could determine the future of the Southwest.

    Could Arizona Run Out of Water? The Truth About the Colorado River Crisis

  8. Apr 22

    America First COLLAPSING? Trump, Tariffs & Iran War

    Something BIG is shifting in American politics… In this episode of the Independent, we break down the growing cracks inside the America First movement — and what it means for Trump, the economy, and the future of the country. From rising inflation and controversial tariffs to the escalating Iran conflict and tensions with NATO, this conversation uncovers the reality behind today’s biggest headlines. Topics covered: Why America First and MAGA are NOT the same The real economic impact of tariffs, inflation, and trade wars How Trump’s foreign policy is reshaping NATO and global alliances The surprising political consequences of the Iran war Whether voters are starting to turn against Trump’s key policies What this all means for the future of U.S. elections With insights from experienced economists and political analysts, this conversation goes beyond headlines to unpack the economic realities, global consequences, and political risks facing the country right now. As pressure builds at home and abroad, one thing is clear: America is at a turning point.

    America First COLLAPSING? Trump, Tariffs & Iran War
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The past, present, and future of the United States are full of promise. A promise sustained by the efforts of brave individuals and organizations who champion the pursuit of technology, improving the human condition, free markets, and a belief in who we are. We are losing the fact that we are a nation of dreamers, a catapult for those who have the heart to dare, a place that rewards ingenuity and innovation. This country, more than any other, succeeded by making possible the release of the human spirit. We need to put in the work to bring the actual narrative of abundance forward. We need to make it consumable for everyday Americans. It is how our conversations will pivot towards the positive. Our mornings will begin with promise and faith rather than fear and despair. If you’re willing to help others feel better about tomorrow, join us. Weekly shows are coming very soon. Follow us to stay notified of new episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    Optimistic American
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    206
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Optimistic American
  • Show Website
    The Optimistic American

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